Prosecutors charge top figure in $400M-plus pharmacy fraud

Federal prosecutors are filing criminal charges against a pharmacist they say is one of the central figures in a $400 million health care fraud.

Thomas E. Spell, Jr., of Ridgeland, was charged Wednesday with one count of attempt and conspiracy to commit health care fraud.

Spell faces a charge filed by prosecutors, not an indictment, often a sign a defendant intends to plead guilty. Spell is scheduled to appear in court Thursday in Hattiesburg. His lawyers didn't immediately respond to phone calls and emails seeking comment.

So far, ten others have been convicted or indicted.

Prosecutors say Spell co-owned Medworx Compounding, a Ridgeland pharmacy.

Spell faces up to 10 years in prison. Prosecutors also want him to forfeit more than $26 million in financial assets, vehicles and property.